Early Inspirations: A Spark Ignited
At the tender age of 15, Pallavi Dean experienced a moment that would shape her future. Experimenting with CorelDRAW on her new desktop, she meticulously replicated an image of a Dalmatian puppy from a book. When her sister walked in and asked if she had drawn it freehand, Pallavi realized her innate talent for design. This seemingly small incident ignited a passion and curiosity that set her on the path to a career in design.
A Design Enthusiast in Dubai
Growing up in the dynamic city of Dubai, Pallavi was constantly surrounded by an ever-evolving architectural and design landscape. This environment naturally piqued her interest in how spaces can influence human behavior and experiences. She firmly believes that design has the power to affect our emotions, work habits, and overall lifestyle. For Pallavi, the design industry offers the perfect blend of creativity and functionality, allowing her to craft environments that resonate deeply with people. Her hands-on approach and involvement in every step of the design process fuel her enduring passion for her work.
Founding Roar: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
One of Pallavi’s most significant achievements is the establishment of her design studio, Roar. The journey began when she was overlooked for a promotion during her maternity leave. This experience was a turning point, leading her to take control of her destiny. She transitioned to freelance work, and in 2014, with the launch of the Dubai Design District, everything fell into place. Pallavi founded Roar, assembled a talented team, and together they began to make their mark in the design world.
Building a business from the ground up was no easy feat. Pallavi often likens the initial effort to launching something into outer space—once it’s up, the journey becomes smoother. Reflecting on those early days, she acknowledges that the hard work, risks, and challenges were all worthwhile. Roar has become a platform for her to live out her values: empowering women in a male-dominated industry, creating meaningful spaces, and leading a creative, inclusive team.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
Pallavi’s journey into design was fueled by a deep love for architecture and the built environment. However, entering the industry came with its challenges, especially as she often found herself as the only woman in the room. There was a constant need to prove her credibility. She quickly realized that the best way to combat this was to focus on her expertise and the quality of her work, rather than conforming to others’ expectations.
These early experiences underscored the importance of staying focused, honing her craft, and not allowing gender or other obstacles to define her career path. Pallavi’s resilience and dedication have paved the way for other women in the industry, demonstrating that success is attainable through talent and determination.
Current Endeavors: A Global Portfolio
Today, Roar boasts a diverse and exciting portfolio of projects. The team is working on office spaces across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, a hotel in Morocco, and a mix of governmental and residential projects. This global reach reflects Roar’s commitment to creating spaces that are not only functional but also culturally resonant and innovative.
The Power of Empathy in Design
Throughout her career, Pallavi has learned that emotional intelligence and empathy are invaluable assets. While talent and technical skills are essential, the ability to understand others, build relationships, and communicate with empathy sets a designer apart. In an industry centered around creating spaces for people, understanding the human experience is paramount.
Empathy shapes Pallavi’s approach to every project and informs her leadership style. It’s about understanding needs, building trust, and fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. This philosophy ensures that the spaces Roar creates are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to the people who use them.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Inclusivity
Looking ahead, Pallavi aspires to leave a legacy of empowerment, particularly for women in design. She aims to be remembered as someone who created inclusive, meaningful, and thoughtful spaces. Under her leadership, Roar is a place where creativity thrives, and the team leads by example, showcasing that combining passion with empathy leads to remarkable outcomes.
Advice to the Next Generation
Reflecting on her journey, Pallavi offers sage advice to her younger self and aspiring designers: trust in your abilities and don’t be weighed down by others’ opinions or limitations they impose. “Be so good they can’t ignore you,” she emphasizes. Focus on what you can control—your skills, expertise, and resilience. Additionally, she encourages investing in oneself, not just professionally but also emotionally and personally.
A Glimpse into Pallavi’s World
Beyond her professional achievements, Pallavi shares glimpses of her life and work on her Instagram handle, @designbyroar. Here, followers can find inspiration, updates on her latest projects, and a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process that drives Roar.
Conclusion
Pallavi Dean’s journey from a curious teenager experimenting with design software to a leading figure in the global design industry is a testament to passion, resilience, and the power of empathy. Through Roar, she continues to break barriers, create impactful spaces, and inspire the next generation of designers to pursue their dreams with confidence and compassion.
